Second suspect in murder of Asbury Park 10-year old being charged as adult

A teenager will be prosecuted as an adult for his alleged role in the murder of 10-year old Yovanni Banos-Merino in Asbury Park on February 21.

16-year old Jah-Del Birch is charged with murder, conspiracy, aggravated assault and weapons offenses heading into his Thursday trial.

Following an investigation authorities made the determination to charge Birch as an adult.

"The prosecutor's office conducted a comprehensive analysis, considering all of the factors set forth in the juvenile waiver statute, including but not limited to the defendants age, the crimes with which he has been charged, and input from the victim's family," MCPO Spokesman Chris Swendeman told WOBM News. "That analysis was reviewed by a family court judge, who granted the states motion to waive the defendant to Superior Court."